Columbia Step-up pay; multiple positions ordinance (§ 19-86)

(a) Step-up pay. When a permanent or temporary employee other than a fire department emergency service employee, is required to assume the full responsibilities of a higher level budgeted position for at least one-half (½) shift of at least four (4) hours, the employee shall be paid five (5) percent above the employee's present base rate while so assigned. Employees who work overtime while in a stepped-up position shall receive overtime pay based on the stepped up rate of pay.

Step-up assignments for employees, other than fire department emergency service employees, shall be approved in writing by the department head and will specify the position to be filled, the circumstances which make the assignment necessary and the starting date of the assignment. Step-up assignments shall not exceed thirty (30) work days or shifts, unless recommended by the department head and approved by the director, at which time the department head shall request a permanent reassignment or appointment of the stepped-up employee to an acting position.

Fire department emergency service employees may be assigned to step-up pay pursuant to procedures established by the fire chief and approved by the city manager. Clerical and administrative employees working for the fire department on a forty-hour basis shall be subject to the same step-up rules as other city employees. Fire department emergency service employees required to assume the full responsibilities of any higher level rank of employee shall be paid five (5) percent above the employee's present base rate while so assigned. The step-up pay rate of pay shall apply only for that time actually worked in the higher level classification.

An employee shall be eligible for step-up pay only if fully qualified for the higher level assignment (as determined by proficiency examination or by the judgment of the duly authorized supervisor, considering such characteristics as the individual's training, experience, education, reliability, and total work performance record). "Fully qualified" means the individual is capable of performing the tasks without any closer supervision than is normally required of the position.

Step-up pay shall not be used to avoid requesting reclassification, to reward employees for outstanding service, or any purpose other than filling an existing position temporarily vacant or as specially authorized by the department head.

(b) Policy against employment in multiple positions; exceptions. It shall be the policy, insofar as possible, to employ individuals in not more than one (1) permanent position at one (1) time. Exceptions to this provision must have the written approval of the director and the city manager. (See administrative rules for further clarification.)